TEESSIDE AIRPORT NEWS - 07/02/2010

Durham Tees Valley Airport 'may be in talks with Canadian company'

By James Wilson.

A Canadian carrier has refused to comment on rumours it will invest in the company that operates Durham Tees Valley Airport, it has been reported.

Vancouver Airport Services (VAS) could be in discussion with the Manchester-based Peel Holdings over the north-east air hub.

Neither organisation would comment on the speculation, but air industry expert David Bentley told the Northern Echo that VAS has a history of supporting struggling airports.

"They have the funding, they have the expertise - I think it would be a good thing for the north-east if they are involved in a deal," Mr Bentley said.

The Peel Group also manages Robin Hood Airport, Manchester Airport and Liverpool John Lennon Airport.

According to the publication, Durham Tees Valley Airport saw has seen its passenger numbers half in the last year and has lost routes formerly operated by Ryanair, Thomson and Bmi.

The airport is located four miles from Darlington and served around 670,000 travellers in 2008, its website notes.

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